What’s a 4 Arrow Oval Diamonds
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A Story From the Bench and Why This Rare Cut Deserves More Love
When I was younger—just starting out in the jewelry world—I remember cutting oval diamonds and sometimes seeing something special that most people missed: a clean, sharp 4-arrow pattern reflected inside the stone.
Back then, no one ever asked about it. Most customers just focused on size and color, not the finer details of how a diamond performs in the light. But those of us behind the scenes—the cutters, the setters, the designers—knew what we were looking at. That perfect arrow pattern meant the diamond had excellent symmetry, precision faceting, and usually... amazing sparkle.
And now, years later, I still get excited every time I see one.
What Is a 4 Arrow Oval Diamond?
In simple terms, a 4 Arrow Oval Diamond is an oval-cut diamond that, when viewed from above, shows four symmetrical arrow-like reflections in the center. These arrows form naturally when the stone is cut to exact proportions, allowing light to bounce and reflect in a very specific, clean pattern.
It’s not a gimmick or a filter—it’s a result of great craftsmanship.
Why It Matters
Most people shopping for an engagement ring are drawn to sparkle—and rightly so. But not all sparkle is created equal. What makes a 4 Arrow Oval special is how balanced and bright the light return is. Instead of a shadowy “bow-tie” effect (which many ovals have), these diamonds often show a cleaner, brighter look.
So why don’t more people ask for them?
Because most buyers simply don’t know they exist.
Here’s What I Tell My Clients
As a diamond cutter, I’ll tell you this straight: the most important factor in an oval diamond is the ratio.
I’ve cut and handled hundreds of ovals over the years, and if there’s one thing I won’t compromise on, it’s this. Forget what the internet tells you—there is no “ideal” at 1.30 or 1.40. If you want a truly elegant, elongated oval with beautiful proportions and presence on the hand, you want to get as close to a 1.50 ratio as possible.
That’s where you see the best face-up shape. That’s where the 4 Arrow pattern shows up with symmetry. That’s where the diamond performs—visually and structurally.
You can give up a little on color. You can even stretch on clarity. But don’t give up the ratio. A poorly shaped oval will never sit right, no matter how good the specs look on paper.
Also—don’t blindly trust what you see online. I’ve seen so many listings call 1.35 “ideal,” but when you put that next to a clean 1.50, it’s not even close. Ask for the actual measurements, do the math (length ÷ width), or better yet—ask your jeweller to show you the diamond face-up. You’ll see the difference instantly.
Trust your eyes, and trust the cutter who’s been behind the bench
Ideal for a Custom Ring
Whether you’re going for a vintage vibe or a sleek, modern setting, a 4 Arrow Oval adds something extra. It tells a story. It shows care in the cut. It’s the kind of diamond people notice, even if they don’t know why.
At Design by Sevan, I work with both lab and natural diamonds, and I handpick every stone. I’ve helped clients find 4 Arrow Ovals that became unforgettable engagement rings—rings with presence, meaning, and beauty that goes beyond just carat size.
Final Thoughts
There’s so much more to a diamond than what the grading report shows. The 4 Arrow Oval is a perfect example of that. You might not see it listed on a certificate, but once you know what to look for, you won’t forget it.
If you’re in the process of designing your ring—or even just starting to think about it—let’s talk. I’d love to show you what’s possible.